PROGRAMS
Leadership Pittsburgh
Leadership Pittsburgh (LP) is a program for established, executive-level leaders seeking to drive meaningful impact through civic and community engagement.
Overview
Leadership Pittsburgh’s unique format makes the Pittsburgh region your classroom. From September through June, monthly sessions provide participants with the exposure, experiences, and connections that prepare them to tackle the challenges of senior leadership in our community.
Program participants get a deeper, behind-the-scenes understanding of the connected systems of the region, meet with the movers and shakers, view the community, its assets and opportunities in a new and profound way and, above all, get super-energized to increase their impact.
Sessions are led by content area experts and community leaders. LP not only engages and informs the senior leadership of our region, but also creates meaningful bonds with peers from diverse backgrounds. LP is an investment in the region — and in the individual leader. The LP program serves as a model for several other regions around the country.
Please review FAQs below to learn more about the application process and program details.
#LPIncVoices
“The experiences and insights gained from Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. have not only prepared me to tackle the complex challenges of leadership but have also instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to serve as a catalyst for meaningful change.”
Community Projects
JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry
A LP XXXIX group spent a day at the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry. In addition to learning about the various services offered by JFCS, the group rolled up their sleeves and helped to prepare and shelve vegetables in the Food Pantry.
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
A group from LP XXXIX spent a day volunteering at The Market at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Their volunteer time included assisting Market shoppers with item selection, checkout and bagging of their groceries. At the end of their shift, they also re-stocked shelves and prepared The Market for the next day’s shoppers.
Hello Neighbor
A group from LP XXXIX helped Hello Neighbor with setting up an apartment that was going to be the new home for a Rohingya family who was moving to Pittsburgh. The group transported necessary items from Hello Neighbor’s offices to the apartment. Upon arrival at the apartment, they met additional deliveries of furniture and supplies and proceeded to unload, unpack and setup all of the items needed to fully furnish the apartment and make it a welcoming home for the family.Frequently Asked Questions
The information listed below is general and addresses a typical program year.
Following the initial retreat, the LP cohort will typically meet from 8 AM – 5 PM on one Thursday of each month. The schedule is determined several months in advance. Credits are assigned to each session and most activities. Participants are required to earn a predetermined number of credits to complete the program. In order to allow for busy professional schedules, a higher number of credits are offered than required for completion/graduation. Additionally, there is an overnight trip and learning experience to Harrisburg in the spring.
Welcome Reception and Orientation – Held in early-mid September.
Initial Retreat – The retreat is critical to the formation of the cohort and is held on a Thursday through mid-day Friday. Applicants are strongly advised to take a look at the retreat dates on the schedule in advance of applying. The retreat location is typically within 2 hours of driving distance from downtown Pittsburgh.
Sessions – Sessions are held one day each month (typically on a Thursday) 8 AM – 5 PM from October through June at varying locations within our region. Each session location is different and conducive to the subject. Participants are expected to attend all of the regularly scheduled sessions in their entirety and earn sufficient credits to graduate.
Regional Policy Trip to Harrisburg – An overnight experiential learning trip to Harrisburg offers the LP class members an opportunity to explore policy formulation at the state level. This overnight session typically takes place in early-mid May.
Click here to download the 2025-2026 tentative LP cohort schedule.
Monthly sessions from October to June focus on understanding key regional issues, creating space to exercise systems thinking, and developing a broader context for practice of leadership. Thought leaders and experts from across the region are involved in the planning and delivery of the sessions. Site visits and group discussions create a highly experiential learning environment. Session topics in recent years have included: education, neighborhoods and community development, regional economy, local government, arts, infrastructure, healthcare, etc.
Peer Group Engagement – To foster stronger class bonds and expand professional networks, LP participants engage in Peer Groups – small, diverse groups assigned by the LPInc. Team. These groups offer exposure to different industry perspectives, enriching leadership development. Participants represent non-competing organizations and meetings are self-determined in terms of timing, location, and format. Group work requires minimal commitment outside scheduled program sessions.
Additional Program Experiences – These are optional and could include, but are not limited to, police ride alongs, exclusive partner events, volunteer opportunities, behind the scenes tours, etc.
Executive-level leaders with significant spheres of influence within the community and their organization who have the desire to expand their knowledge of the region and are willing to make the time commitment to successfully complete the program. Individuals who are ready to go behind the scenes on regional policy issues, think creatively, and act collaboratively flourish in the LP program.
- Established leaders in business, nonprofit, government, and civic entities with significant spheres of influence
- Looking for a community leadership experience that captures their spirit of purpose, learning, and contribution
- Seeking to broaden their professional networks and make an even bigger contribution to their organization and the community
- Committed to joining 50+ other high-achieving professionals in experiential monthly sessions
Contact us to learn more and to determine whether LP is the right fit for you.
Click here to view a listing of the LP XLI cohort.
Click here for a list of our LP Alumni by class year.
Click here for a list of our LP Alumni by last name.
Leadership Pittsburgh applications are due the first Friday in June for the cohort that starts in September. Early applications are encouraged. Incentive tuition price is provided for applications submitted by the first Friday in May. All parts of the application must be complete to be considered.
A selection committee reviews applications during the month of July. Applicants accepted for admission to Leadership Pittsburgh are notified in August.
A letter of support from the organization that employs the applicant, as well as letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s abilities and skills (especially LPInc. Alums!) are strongly recommended at the time of application. Self-employed individuals may also apply. The selection committee strives to curate a diverse cohort based upon our applicant pool and information received.
Leadership Pittsburgh tuition is currently $7,000 per participant (please note that this is subject to change in the future). Early applications are encouraged. Incentive tuition price for applications submitted by the first Friday in May is $6,700. All parts of the application must be complete to be considered.
Accepted applicants will receive an invoice which must be paid to ensure their spot in the class. Payment plans are available but must be arranged in advance with our team.
A limited number of partial scholarships are available and are primarily intended to assist participants from nonprofit organizations with limited resources. Participants seeking tuition assistance will be asked to complete a statement of financial need and are required to submit their request for assistance with their application.
Click here to request tuition assistance information. Acceptance into Leadership Pittsburgh is not influenced by the need for tuition assistance.
Click here to refer someone to one of our programs. We will then get in touch with them to share more information regarding our programs. Thank you for helping to spread the word and strengthen our mission delivery.
The Leadership Pittsburgh Selection Committee heavily weighs the letters of recommendation in the application process. We strongly encourage each applicant to submit at least two, but no more than four, letters of recommendation. Successful applications in prior years tend to be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from applicant’s CEO/head of business unit in addition to recommendations from other LPInc. Alumni. Click here for a full list of LPInc. Alumni.
Recommendations are due in to the Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. office by 5:00 PM on the date of the application deadline. These can be submitted along with the application or separately via the online form or by email to info@lpinc.org.
Our Partners
The success of the Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. depends to a large part on the financial support of our community’s businesses and community partners. We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support.
